Titrating and mixing apparatus



Oct. 27, 1964 D. L. BITTNER 3,154,294

TITRATING AND MIXING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 17. 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig.I.

23 Fig.2.

IN VEN TOR.

Donald L. Biflner Away/Mm Oct. 27, 1964 D. L. BITTNER 3,154,294

' TITRATING AND MIXING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 17, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2Fig.4.

c l 4 I A I I I i Z INVENTOR.

Donald L. Biflner BY fwd m United States Patent 3,154,294 TITRATENG ANDMIXING APPARATUS Donald L. Bittner, 2200 Hayes, San Francisco 17, Calif.Filed Get. 17, 1960, Ser. No. 63,933 1t) Claims. ((31. 259-12) Thisinvention relates to a rotatable turntable which is adapted to carry abeaker which is adjustable in elevation relative to a metering sternused to meter fluid to the beaker and to act as a stirring mechanism forfluid contained within the beaker.

In laboratory practice it is often desirable to meter precise quantitiesof liquid into a vessel or beaker. It is then necessary to stir thefluid Within the beaker to obtain complete dispersion or mixing therein.It has been found, however, that the introduction of stirring rodsfrequently contaminates the fluid. This constitutes a particular problemWhere relatively precise purities and mixtures are required.

The device of this invention constitutes a turntable which is mountedbelow a fluid metering rod. The turntable is provided with means forimparting controlled rates of rotation so that the beaker supported onthe turntable can be rotated at at least two different rates ofrotation. The turntable is further movable in elevation so as to clearcontact with the metering rod in the lower position and to raise to theupper position where the metering rod can make physical contact with theliquid thus functioning as a stirring device due to the relative motionbetween the rotating beaker and the relatively fixed metering rod.

One of the features and advantages of this invention is to provide aturntable which will rotate smoothly without the introduction of unduevibration so that the mixed fluid will not be unduly disrupted duringthe mixing or stirring process.

Another feature and advantage of this invention is that the device canbe used with a conventional titrator in such a way that the titratingtube can function to meter fluid from the tube into the beaker supportedon the turntable of the device and thereafter the turntable can beraised to a position where the titrating tube engages the liquid withinthe beaker thus allowing the titrating tube to function as a stirringrod due to the relative motion between the rotating beaker and the fixedtitrating tube.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel mechanism whichwill allow a turntable to be locked at a lower, upper and intermediateposition with a combination of a frictional drive arran ed to engage theturntable throughout each of the respective positions and in which therelative ratio between the frictional drive and the rim of the turntableis such that the turntable rotates at a different rate of speed in theupper position than in the intermediate position.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel disengagingmechanism which allows the disengagement of the turntable with therotating mechanism during the intervals that the turntable is beingmoved between its upper and lower positions.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon readingthe following specification and referring to the accompanying drawingsin which similar characters of reference represent corresponding partsin each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the turntable device of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken at line 22.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. line 33.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 show- 1 taken at iceing the turntable and its actuating arm in two positions of operationone of which is represented by the dotted lines.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view showing the turntable with a beaker mountedthereon and a metering rod shown in position relative to the beaker.

In the principal embodiment of the invention the beaker supportturntable device is mounted in a rectangular housing generally indicatedat A. Actuating arm mechanism B is mounted on housing A and adapted tocarry a turntable 15. The turntable is rotated by a rotating mechanismgenerally indicated at C and which is similarly mounted on housing A.

The rotating mechanism comprises a motor 29 mounted in the interior ofhousing A. The motor is arranged to rotatably drive a vertical shaft 21.A frictional drive capstan 22 is mounted on the end of shaft 21. Capstan22 is formed with a lower enlarged segment 23 and an upper segment 24 ofsubstantially reduced diameter.

Actuating arm mechanism B includes a horizontally mounted arm 29 mountedon a shaft or stem 31. Shaft 31 is rotatably and slidably mounted withina bearing 32 carried by the underside of the top wall 35 of housing A.

Turntable 15 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 36 mounted on the end ofarm 29.

The lower portion of stem 31 is provided with a pin 4t) which is afiixedto the bottom end of the stem. A spring 42 is mounted to the pin and toa fixed vertical rod 44- mounted on the bottom 4-5 of housing A.

Spring 42 functions to bias actuating arm 29 to move turntable 15against capstan 22. By this mechanism the peripheral edge of theturntable is biased against the capstan so that the rotary motion of thecapstan is frictionally imparted to the turntable.

An actuating mechanism supporting column D is mounted on the upper faceof top wall 35. Column D is provided with three faces or collars 50, 51and 52. The collars are arranged to form a support for the underside ofarm 29 and are arranged in position so that spring 42 biases arm 29 in aposition overlying the respective collars 51} through 52. The end ofactuating arm 29 opposite turntable 15 is provided with an actuatinghandle 60.

In operation turntable 15 is adapted to receive a beaker or vesselgenerally indicated at E. A titrating or metering device F is arrangedabove the turntable so that when beaker E is placed on turntable 15 themetering device, which has a depending metering tube 62, is arrangedwith the tube depending into the internal area of the beaker. Normallytube 62 will remain at a substantially fixed elevation.

The device in the first phase of operation is operated by movingactuating handle 60 in a clockwise direction and lowering actuating armmechanism B to a position where the actuating arm is arranged to rest onthe lower face 50 of column D. During the lowering movement turntable 15is disengaged from capstan 22 so that the entire arm mechanism is freeto move vertically without the impedance of the rotating structureinterfering with the vertical movement.

Spring 42 is slidably mounted on rod 44 so that the spring can slidewith stem 31 downwardly to its lower position on the rod 44. Actuatinghandle 60 is then released so that turntable 15 can engage the lowersection 23 of capstan 22. Column D between faces 50 and 51 in the areaas indicated at is formed of sufficiently reduced diameter so that thereis no impedance against spring 42 fully biasing turntable 15 againstcapstan 22.

Actuating handle 60 is then moved in a clockwise direction sufficientlyto cause a disengagement of the capstan from the turntable.

Beaker E is then mounted on turntable 15. The beaker should be selectedof a sufiiciently short length so that the beaker may be placed on theturntable with the top of the beaker being substantially below thebottom tip of metering tube 62. If desired the beaker may be dry oralternatively may contain a predetermined quantity of solution.

Actua'ting handle 64? is then released so that the beaker is rotated bythe action of the turntable. Titration or metering from tube 62 then iseffected in the normal fashion by causing the requisite amount ofmaterial to be metered from the tube. Actuating handle 6t) is then movedin a clockwise direction and actuating arm mechanism B is raised to itsintermediate position resting on face 51. In this position metering tube62 may be sub merged in a portion of the liquid contained within beakeror vessel E.

Turntable is eccentric so that the axis of rotation will be varied withthe rotation of the turntable thus causing the beaker to move laterallyas well as rotatably relative to metering tube 62.

The actuating handle is then released thereby causing the beaker torotate. The relative motion between the rotating beaker and fixedmetering tube 62 provides a stirring mechanism causing the liquid withinthe beaker to be raised. Subsequently actuating handle 60 again is movedclockwise and the actuating arm moved up to a position Where the armwill overlie face 52. In this position turntable 15 is arranged toengage the smaller diameter segment 24 of capstan 22. This causes theturntable to rotate at a slower rate due to the fact that the drivingcapstan is of smaller diameter. The speed of rotation of turntable 15thus is determined by selectively positioning actuating arm mechanism Bon either upper face 52 or intermediate face 51. This control isdesirable in that in some solutions it may be desirable to rotate thefluid at a slow rate relative to the stirring rod while in othersolutions a faster rate of rotation may be required.

It is believed obvious that the method of using this device may vary.For example the fluid from tube 62 may be metered into beaker E whilethe tube is below the liquid level within the beaker and during arotating condition. It is also believed obvious that the rotation of theturntable can be stopped in any position of the device by simple movingactuating handle 60 slightly in the clockwise direction. Thus a fixedturntable or rotating turntable condition in any of the three elevationscan be maintained.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it is understood that certain changes and modificationsmay be practiced within the spirit of the invention as limited only bythe scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for supporting a vessel relative to a fluid metering stem sothat the vessel may be rotated at selected elevations relative to saidstern comprising a vertical capstan, means to rotate said verticalcapstan,

a vessel supporting turntable,'an arm, means pivotally' mounting saidturntable on said arm, means pivotally mounting said arm for pivotalmovement in a horizontal plane and for slidable vertical movement,spring means biasing said arm to move said turntable against saidcapstan to impart the rotary motion of said capstan to said turntable,means to move'said arm in a direction against the spring biasing forceto move said turntable away from said capstan, and support means havingat leasttwo arm supporting faces disposed at different elevations toalternatively'support said arm against downward movement when saidturntable is located against said capstan and to be freed of armsupporting engagement when said arm is moved to position said turntableaway from engagement with said capstan.

2. A device according to claim 1 and wherein said capstan is formed witha first section and a second section, the first section of said capstanbeing of larger diameter than the second section, and said armsupporting faces being at selected elevations to allow said turntable tobe alternatively aligned in horizontal registration with the first andsecond faces of said capstan.

3. A device according to claim 1 and wherein said vessel supportingturntable is eccentric in configuration.

4. A device for supporting a vessel relative to and in registry with afluid metering stem so that the vessel may be rotated at selectedelevations relative to the stem comprising an arm, a shaft dependingfrom said arm at a position intermediate the ends of said arm, bearingmeans pivotaily mounting said shaft for slidable vertical movement, avessel supporting turntable mounted on the top of a first end of saidarm, a vertical capstan, means rotatably mounting said capstan at aposition adjacent the outer edge of said turntable, handle means mountedon the second end of said arm by which said arm can be moved to positionsaid turntable in a first position in engagement with the capstan and ina second position out of engagement with said capstan, spring meansconnected to said arm and spring biasing said arm in the first position,and a column member mounted adjacent said arm, said column member havinga plurality of collars, each said collar being positioned to supportsaid arm against downward movement when said arm is in the firstposition and not in the second position whereby said arm may be moved tothe second position to be slidably moved for engagement with a selectedone of said collars.

5. A device for supporting a vessel relative to and in registry with afluid metering stem so that the vessel may be rotated at selectedelevations relative to the stem comprising an arm, a shaft dependingfrom said arm at a position intermediate the ends of said arm, bearingmeans pivotally mounting said shaft for slidable vertical movement, avessel supporting turntable mounted on the top of a first end of saidarm, a vertical capstan having a first and second portion of differentdiameters, means rotatably mountingsaid capstan at a position adjacentthe outer edge of said turntable, handle means mounted on the second endof said arm by which said arm can be moved to position said turntable ina first position in engagement with the capstan and in a second positionout of engagement with said capstan, spring means connected to said armand spring biasing said arm in the first position, and a column membermounted adjacent said arm, said column member having a plurality ofcollars, each said collar being positioned to support said arm againstdownward movement when said arm is in the first position and not in thesecond position, one of said collars being positioned to align saidturntable with the first portion of said capstan and another of saidcollars being positioned to align said turntable with the second portionof said capstan whereby said arm may be moved to the second position tobe slidably moved for alternative engagement with one or the other ofsaid collars.

6. A device for supporting a vessel relative to and in registry with afluid metering stem so that the vessel may be rotated at selectedelevations relative to the stem comprising a rotatably mounted vesselsupporting turntable, means to vertically move said turntable toward andaway from said stem, locking means to lock said turntable at a positionwhere the top of said vessel is below the bottom of said stem and at asecond position at which the stem is below the liquid level within thevessel, means to rotate said turntable in the first and secondpositions, and clutch means operable to disengage the rotating meansfrom said turntable while said turntable is in said first and secondpositions and during the interval when said turntable is moved betweensaid first and second positions.

7. A titrating system comprising atitrator having a vertical dependingfluid metering stem, a turntable mounted under said stem adapted tocarry a fluid containing vessel, means to move said turntable to aposition where the fluid level carried within the vessel is slightlybelow the tip of said stem and to a second upper position where the tipof the stem extends into the fluid carried by the vessel but is spacedabove the bottom of the vessel, and means to rotate said turntable inboth said first and said second positions.

8. An improved titrating system comprising a fluid metering stem, aturntable mounted under said stem adapted to carry a fluid containingvessel, means connected to vertically locate said turntable and meteringstern relative to one another at a first position wherein the surface offluid carried within the vessel is below the tip of said stem and asecond position wherein the tip of said stem extends into the fluidcarried by the vessel, and means connected for rotating said turntablerelative to said stem.

9. In the titrating system of claim 8, the rotating means including aneccentric means connected to rotate the turntable in an eccentricmotion.

10. A device for supporting a vessel relative to and in registry with afluid metering stem so that the vessel may be rotated at selectedelevations relative to the stem comprising a rotatably mounted vesselsupporting turntable, means connected to locate said turntable atselected relative elevations, and drive means connected to rotate saidturntable at each selected relative elevation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNTTED STATES PATENTS674,849 Wiser May 21, 1901 1,772,083 Hollenback Aug. 5, 1930 2,438,264Bender Mar. 23, 1948 2,556,490 Chamberlin June 12, 1951

8. AN IMPROVED TITRATING SYSTEM COMPRISING A FLUID METERING STEM, ATURNTABLE MOUNTED UNDER SAID STEM ADAPTED TO CARRY A FLUID CONTAININGVESSEL, MEANS CONNECTED TO VERTICALLY LOCATE SAID TURNTABLE AND METERINGSTEM RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER AT A FIRST POSITION WHEREIN THE SURFACE OFFLUID CARRIED WITHIN THE VESSEL IS BELOW THE TIP OF SAID STEM AND ASECOND POSITION WHEREIN THE TIP OF SAID STEM EXTENDS INTO THE FLUIDCARRIED BY THE VESSEL, AND MEANS CONNECTED FOR ROTATING SAID TURNTABLERELATIVE TO SAID STEM.